N-Acetylneuraminic Acid CAS 131-48-6 98% White to Off-White Crystalline Powder for Biochemical Research & Nutraceutical Intermediate

1. Product Overview

N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (CAS No. 131-48-6), commonly known as sialic acid or Neu5Ac / NANA, is a nine‑carbon monosaccharide derivative and the most prevalent naturally occurring sialic acid in mammals. Its molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₉NO₉ with a molecular weight of 309.27 g/mol. It appears as a white to off‑white crystalline powder and is highly hygroscopic and air‑sensitive. This compound is a terminal residue on many glycoproteins, glycolipids, and gangliosides, playing crucial roles in cell‑cell recognition, immune response, and pathogen–host interactions. It is widely used as a biochemical standard, a pharmaceutical intermediate (e.g., zanamivir precursor), and a key nutraceutical ingredient (often called “bird’s nest acid” in infant formula and functional foods, approved as a new food raw material in China).

Key Identifiers:

• CAS Number: 131-48-6

• EINECS Number: 205-023-1

• MDL Number: MFCD00006620

• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₁₉NO₉

• Molecular Weight: 309.27 g/mol

• Synonyms: Sialic Acid; NANA; Neu5Ac; N‑Acetyl‑D‑neuraminic acid; Lactaminic acid; Bird’s Nest Acid / 

2. Key Features and Advantages

• High Purity & Consistency: Typically supplied at ≥98.0% (HPLC) for research and ≥99% for food/pharma grades, with strict QC on heavy metals, residual solvents, and water content.

• Well‑Defined Physicochemical Profile: Characterized melting point (184–186 °C dec.), specific optical rotation [α]²⁰/D −31.0 to −34.0° (c=1, H₂O), and solubility ~50 g/L in water at 20 °C.

• Hygroscopic but Stable Under Proper Storage: When kept dry, dark, and frozen (−20 °C under inert gas), it maintains quality for 12–24 months.

• Multi‑Application Versatility: Suitable for glycobiology research, neuraminidase inhibitor synthesis (zanamivir/oseltamivir intermediates), glycan remodeling, and as a premium nutraceutical (cognitive development, skin barrier support).

• Fermentation‑Derived Option Available: Modern supplies are primarily microbial fermentation‑based (non‑animal, E. coli strain), meeting food‑grade and Kosher/Halal demands.

3. Main Applications

• Biochemical & Glycobiology Research: Used as a substrate for sialyltransferases and neuraminidases; standard reference for glycan analysis, HPLC/ELISA kits, and sialoside chemosynthesis.

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Key building block for influenza neuraminidase inhibitors such as zanamivir; also investigated for hereditary inclusion body myopathy (clinical Phase III).

• Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods: Approved new food raw material in China ( bird’s nest acid); added to premium infant formula, cognitive‑health supplements, and immunity‑support products.

• Cosmeceuticals: Incorporated into skincare formulations for moisturizing, anti‑aging, and skin‑barrier repair due to its role in glycosylation of epidermal proteins.

• Diagnostic Reagents: Component in assay kits for measuring sialic acid levels in serum/CSF (biomarker for inflammation, cancer, neurodegeneration).

4. Technical Specifications

5. Storage and Handling

• Storage Conditions: Store at −20 °C in a tightly sealed container under inert gas (nitrogen or argon). Protect from light, moisture, and air (hygroscopic and air‑sensitive). For short‑term use (≤1 week), 2–8 °C in a desiccator is acceptable; avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

• Shelf Life: 12 months at −20 °C unopened; 6 months after first opening if resealed promptly under inert gas and refrigerated.

• Handling Precautions: Handle in a low‑humidity environment or fume hood. Use gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Avoid inhalation of fine powder. This compound is a mild irritant (Xi, H315/H319/H335).

• Packaging:

• Reagent grade: 20 mg / 100 mg / 500 mg / 1 g / 5 g / 25 g / 100 g in amber glass vials with desiccant, often under argon.

• Food/industrial grade: 1 kg aluminum foil bag, 15 kg/25 kg fiber drum with double polyethylene liner; fermentation‑derived batches labeled “non‑animal source / E. coli fermentation”.

6. Safety Overview

• GHS Classification: GHS07 – Warning. Hazard statements: H315 (causes skin irritation), H319 (causes serious eye irritation), H335 (may cause respiratory irritation). Symbol: Xi (irritant).

• Risk / Safety Codes (traditional): R36/37/38 (irritating to eyes, respiratory system, skin); S22 (do not breathe dust), S24/25 (avoid contact with skin and eyes), S26 (in case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice), S36 (wear suitable protective clothing).

• First Aid Measures:

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, administer oxygen and seek medical attention.

• Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.

• Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with flowing water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

• Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by a physician. Seek medical attention.

• Firefighting: Use water spray, dry chemical, CO₂, or alcohol‑resistant foam. Wear self‑contained breathing apparatus.

• Disposal: Dispose as hazardous/biological‑relevant chemical waste per local regulations. WGK Germany 3 (hazardous to waters).

• Regulatory Notes: Approved as a new food raw material in China (infant formula, functional foods). Not for direct therapeutic use without pharmaceutical GMP authorization. Reagent grade is for research/lab use only.